Iread with interest the article about the Petain Avenue name change (“Nazi Link Prompts Call for Street Name Change,” Sentinel, Feb. 18).

Evan Gottesman makes a very good case for change. I would like, however, to point out a few historical facts about Marshal Philippe Pétain and his role in Vichy France in the 1940s.

In 1940 (the year that France surrendered to the Nazis) Marshal Pétainwaswell above 80 years old. He was approaching senility, plus he had a very large ego due to his fame in World War I. In 1940 he was looked upon as the “Hero of Verdun.” Yes, he was premier of Vichy France, but it was his deputy, Pierre Laval, who allegedly flattered, cajoled and influenced Pétain to make the decisions that he made. It is interesting to note that while the marshal was imprisoned, Laval was shot as a traitor and collaborator. Please see William Shirer’s excellent books, “The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich” and “The Decline and Fall of the Third Republic,” for verification.

I commend Mr. Gottesman for his views. I do not excuse the marshal for the deportations, but he probably did not know what he was signing.

Tim South East Brunswick